You’ve probably never seen lanterns quite like some of those brought to Canada by Fran Devlin, the intrepid world traveler behind Palmyra Design. When you visit the Palmyra showroom in the lee of the Niagara Escarpment, Fran will ask for a few moments so she can go ahead and light the rooms. Shortly, she’ll beckon you to come around the house — yes, Palmyra’s showroom is in the lower annex of Fran’s home in Milton, Ontario — and enter her magical kingdom of light.
Devlin imports an array of products from Morocco and now, Turkey, but her specialty is lanterns; reticulated brass lanterns, mosaic glass and tile lanterns, heavy garden lanterns, delicate boule lanterns and colourful hanging glass votive holders. As you move from room to room, the play of light on the walls and ceiling mesmerizes; I wanted to buy a dozen of her stunning pieces so I could recreate the effect at home.
The iron garden lanterns above are priced from $250 - $650, the brass and glass lanterns in the top two pics are around $650 each. The coloured-glass candle holders, below, are about $250. Not cheap, to be sure, but Devlin’s lanterns aren’t mass-produced, they’re made by Moroccan craftsmen using centuries-old techniques. “This is a real niche business,” confirms the importer, “but people who like them, like them a lot.”
Devlin carries a range of other products including heavy, iron and stone mosaic garden tables ($195 - $595).
And then there’s Palmyra’s range of beautiful housewares including hand-painted plate settings and solid stone charges imbedded with real fossils. Devlin also sells luscious fabric throws, remarkable house slippers and beautiful tea services and metal serving trays.
If you’re in the market for any of these items, I highly recommend a trip to Palmyra’s showroom for one of the most unique shopping experiences you’ll ever have (please call ahead, shopping is by appointment). Fran will also ship most of her wares anywhere in North America. If you do go to Milton don’t leave without a jar of Devlin’s own honey, it’s delicious!
Tell them you saw it on styleNorth!
July 24th, 2009 at 9:54 am
As you can see above in the stunning pictures posted, incorporating Moroccan design elements can be as simple as having a pair of colourful slippers in a corner or as grand as having a brass, hand carved sconce on the wall.
Get inspired - pick up any issue of Elle Decor and flip through. Keep you eyes peeled and you will see, scattered here and there, Moroccan deisgn pieces that “make” the room.
Get with it Toronto! Palmyra Design and Fran Devlin are it.
My outdoor lanterns, indoor glass lantern, my multiple pairs of slippers, my tagine and tea glasses, and loads of Berber jewellery are in perfect, chic contrast to my Hudson’s Bay blanket, mahogony etagere and Barrymore loveseat. Tres cool indeed.